"He was a fantastic husband, father, son and brother. There won't be a moment that goes by where we won't think of him.

"We are so proud of Sebastian for all he achieved in his life.

"He was taken away from us too early and in the most tragic circumstances. We will always love him. He will be forever in our hearts and eternally missed."

Thirty-seven foreign workers are believed to have died at the remote desert facility – part-operated by BP – which was attacked on January 16. It is believed al-Qaeda-linked terrorists were behind the attack, which lasted for four days before Algerian special forces intervened.

Colleagues have paid tribute to Mr John, who worked for Ove Arup, in Solihull, before taking up his role at BP.

Nick Baveystock, director general of ICE, said: "We were extremely shocked and saddened to hear that Sebastian John, a valued and respected civil engineer and member of our Institution, has lost his life during the Algerian hostage attack."

Past ICE president Richard Coackley, for whom Mr John worked as an apprentice, said: "Sebastian was a talented young civil engineer with the world at his feet.

"His mild-mannered, supportive nature made him a pleasure to be around and his commitment and passion for his work and his young family shone through in all that he did. It was an absolute honour and a pleasure to have him as my apprentice last year and I know he will be greatly missed by all.

"I join everyone in mourning with Sebastian's family and friends for the tragic loss of a great young man and civil engineer."

Robert Care, director of the Arup Group, added: "He was hugely respected by his colleagues and had a very bright future ahead of him."